2014 NBA Finals: 5 Players Who Need To Step Up For Game 5

2014 NBA Finals: 5 Players Who Need To Step Up For Game 5

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Larry O’Brien Trophy will be in the house when the Miami Heat take on the San Antonio Spurs for Game 5 of the 2014 NBA Finals. To many people's surprise, the Spurs have a chance to clinch in convincing fashion on Sunday night. However, Miami will not go down without a fight. Here are five players who need to deliver for this massive game.

5. Lebron James

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5. Lebron James

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

This guy simply belongs on every list associated with the Miami Heat. For Miami to even have a chance at making this a series, James must show why he is the best player on the planet.

4. Manu Ginobili

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4. Manu Ginobili

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

After the first two games of the championship series, he was making a case for MVP honors. Now, with two subpar performances in Game 3 and Game 4, Ginobili must provide a spark off the bench for the Spurs to close this series on their home court.

3. Mario Chalmers

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

3. Mario Chalmers

Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

He has a combined total of 16 points through four games of the NBA Finals, and his total play has been worse than that. Simply put, Mario Chalmers has been a complete liability when he has been on the floor. For Miami to even think about getting back in this series, they are going to need better point guard play, which begins with Chalmers.

2. Tony Parker

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

2. Tony Parker

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

For San Antonio to close out this series in five games, they are going to need Tony Parker to continue to be the general he has been throughout the postseason. While this team does not live and die by arguably their best player, a positive contribution from Parker will only enhance the team’s chance to claim their fifth championship since 1999.

1. Dwyane Wade

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1. Dwyane Wade

Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

For all the pressure that is put on Lebron James’ shoulders, Dwyane Wade must help his batman out. This team clearly goes as James goes, but Wade has been an extremely useful sidekick for the entire postseason. He needs to get back to being the second best player on the court for Miami to extend this series to Game 6.